The South Knox Trail Runners pose with a trail that they’ve completed. | Photo via @southknoxtrailrunners
Run clubs are having a moment, and while you won’t find us running in the Tennessee heat, we can understand the appeal — making new friends, exercising, and exploring more of the city.
Lace up your sneakers and join one of these local groups (many of which meet before or after the heat is at its worst).
Slowkno Running Club — Speed isn’t the goal for this group that meets at Suttree Landing Park Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. + on weekends. They aim to get moving, enjoy running, and create an inclusive community.
South Knox Trail Runners — If you prefer to run in nature, this group meets at Meads Quarry for weekly treks on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. The route is usually 3.5-4 miles long.
Knox Girls Who Walk — This group goes for Saturday morning strolls where you can make friends and chat as you walk.
Foodees Food and Culture Festival | Friday, July 11-Sunday, July 13 | Times vary | Chilhowee Park | Free+ | With over 40 food trucks and vendors serving gourmet dishes and sweet treats + dozens of artisans, there’s something here for everyone here.
“Freaky Friday the Musical” | 7:30 p.m. | Bijou Theatre | $28+ | Enjoy a musical comedy about the magical life-swapping story of a mother and daughter.
Movies Under the Stars: “Clue” | 7 p.m. | Ijams Nature Center | $12 | Watch the comedic murder mystery under the stars — grab dinner and drinks from local food trucks + Ijams’ beer garden.
Saturday, July 12
Knoxville’s Ultimate Health & Fitness Experience | 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Kern’s Food Hall | Free | Join a high-energy, family-friendly fitness day with live group classes, recovery demos, health vendors, and activities.
Circus Under the Moon 2025 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Navitat Knoxville | $15+ | A troupe of local and regional performers will show off with acrobatics, aerials, juggling, fire performances, and more.
Sunday, July 13
Plant Swap and Plant Giveaway | 1 p.m. | Next Level Brewing Co. | Free | Bring your extra cuttings, seedlings, or houseplants to swap with others, or just pick up a free plant to start your planting journey.
Beginner Sushi Class | 6:30 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing Knoxville | $50 | Learn how to make the perfect rice, whip up sauces, and roll your own sushi in this hands-on class.
Redd & The Paper Flowers Album Release Bash | 7-10 p.m. | Barley’s | $19 | Be one of the first to hear songs from “Appalachian Bell Jar” — wear florals for a free merch item at the door.
Knoxville City Council approved plans to implement a new traffic management system on Middlebrook Pike. With construction set to begin this fall, the project will feaure a high-speed fiber-optic network connecting 23 signalized intersections on Middlebrook Pike + University Avenue. (WVLT)
Community
Knox County leaders unveiled a replacement statue of two children reading earlier this week in Thomas “Tank” Strickland Park. The original statue was stolen back in 2024, but new security cameras have also been installed to ensure the safety of its replacement. (WBIR)
Travel
Good news for those without TSA PreCheck: TSA will no longer require travelers at McGhee Tyson Airport to remove their shoes at airport security. The policy change is effective immediately, so feel free to don your lace-up sneakers as soon as possible. (Knox News)
Feel Good
One group of local girls traveled to Massachusetts this month for an international robotics competition. The Gadget Girls, a team from West Valley Middle School, recently represented the Knoxville area while competing against teams from over 30 countries. Way to go, girls.(WBIR)
Weather
Did you know that as of this past Wednesday, Knoxville had 17 days with highs in the 90s this year? WBIR’s Cassie Nall shared that we’re expected to hit similar highs again today and through the weekend, adding to that tally.
Sports
The Vols’ recruiting has been heating up, adding commits like Javonte Smith and Brayden Rouse. Hear what the local experts on the Tennessee Volunteers have to say about it with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Post of the Day
This month, the First Friday ArtWalk will actually take place on the second Friday of the month — that’s today.
If you’re looking for some last-minute Friday plans, head downtown for art, food, drinks, and live music. Most spots will be open around 5 p.m., and live music tends to start four to five hours later.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
After 2025, when will the City of Knoxville’s next election take place?
Knoxvillians like to exercise — their right to vote, that is. The majority of respondents knew exactly when the next City election will take place.
60% | 2027
40% | 2028
0% | 2026
0% | 2029
The Wrap
The Wrap
We’ve mentioned it here in the newsletter and in our Restaurant Roundup (which you should save, as we update it frequently), but here’s a reminder just in case: Disco Chicken and Donuts opens today inside of Kern’s Food Hall.
